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THE STORY OF SANTA CLAUS

The legend began in fourth century Myra in Asia Minor, which today is known as Turkey. Nicholas was a Bishop who was known for his generosity and kindness to children. At least one miracle was attributed to him by the Catholic Church. 

A father had three daughters. They were so poor, they were likely to lose their home. The three young daughters had decided to turn to prostitution to save their father from FINANCIAL ruin and retain their home. When Bishop Nicholas found out, he visited their house and left three stocking, each with a piece of gold within. 

The three GOLD pieces saved the family from ruin (And also started the tradition of hanging Christmas STOCKINGS and putting gifts in them.)

Later, Bishop Nicholas got into trouble with Emperor Diocletian for saying things which the Emperor preferred were not said. Nicholas didn't approve of many thing which occured under the Emperor and said so. He was exiled from Myra. Nicholas wandered Europe for a time and his reputation had proceeded him. He was well received everywhere as a man of integrity and courage. The Pope himself praised Nicholas.

Eventually Bishop Nicholas returned to Myra and was quickly arrested. He ultimately died in prison on Dec. 6, 350 AD. Many mourned his death and so decided to honor his life annually. Sailors, migrants and various travellers carried the tale of Bishop Nicholas throughout Europe. His deeds were honored every Dec. 6th in many countries. The Church eventually made him St. Nicholas.

In 1686, Josiah King wrote "The Examination and Trial of Father Christmas" to celebrate Christmas being reinstated as an official holiday. Father Christmas embodied the spirit of good will and joy that Christmas is supposed to represent. Father Christmas was depicted as an old man with a white beard.

Father Christmas became a symbol of Christmas over the next 100 years. And since the life of St. Nicholas was also celebrated every December, the two legends somehow began to merge. People began to think of them as one character and so St. Nicholas became Father Christmas.

Americans, hearing this legend for the first time, adopted the story into American culture but they had trouble pronouncing Sinterklaus and so they changed the name to make it easier to say. Saint Nicholas/Father Christmas became Santa Claus in America. Although the name Father Christmas would eventually fade from popular use in America, Santa Claus would not.

Different aspects of the combined legend were represented in Santa Claus. Santa brought toys to kids and was a immortal being who symbolized Christmas. His appearance was rather vague at this point and different groups pictured him different ways. But the one definite, consistent element was the white beard.

The name Father Christmas never really caught on in America but the names Santa Claus/Kris Kringle/St. Nicholas are all still well known and used today. The figure of Santa Claus has appeared in every possible medium of entertainment and literature. He is forevermore established as a large, portly, ageless man in a red costume who lives in the North Pole and brings toys (built by Elves) to children on his flying reindeer and sleigh.

CHRISTSMAS DECORATIONS mean X'Mas Trees , Santa Claus and Much More

Christmas in America

The Christmas tree plays an important part in the holiday tradition. Often times it is topped by a star to represent the Star of Bethlehem, or by an angel which announces the birth of Christ. 

Many families also decorate outside of the home with regional traditions and according to the weather. Some form of lighting are often used on the homes and in the yards during the holidays. 

Food plays an important part in the American Christmas. It is often a time of an extended open house with friends dropping by to bring gifts or just to wish everyone a happy holiday. 

At this time it is appropriate to offer these guests food and beverage, so many homes have a variety of treats prepared in advance for these occasions. Although many families serve a variety of menus for Christmas dinner, the standard fare seems to include turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, vegetables, a salad and some sort of dessert. 

Various churches play an important part in the American Christmas. Many families feel that it is important to go to church on Christmas. There are also a variety of associated activities such as church dinners, live Nativity scenes, choir concerts, special church services, 

Christmas Traditions in England

A great Christmas tree is erected in TRAFALGAR Square in London and

is a focal point for carol singing

   In the last few years many English homes have also adopted the America customof decorating the outside of their houses with various decorations and lights.

 Santa Claus is commonly known as Father Christmas in England and delivers the presents and fills the STOCKINGS on Christmas Eve

      A typical Christmas dinner in England would be a roast dinner (usually roast turkey or chicken) with a great variety of vegetables including Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower cheese, parsnips and roast potatoes with stuffing and other trimmings such as small sausages wrapped in bacon.

French Christmas Decorations

The sapin de Noël is the main decoration in homes, streets, shops, offices, and factories. The sapin de Noël appeared in Alsace in the 14th century, decorated with apples, paper flowers, and ribbons, and was introduced in France in 1837. 

Another important aspect of French Christmas celebrations is the crèche filled withsantons , which is displayed in churches and many homes. Living crèches in the form of plays and puppet shows based on the Nativity are commonly performed to teach the important ideas of Christianity and the Christmas celebration. 

Christmas in Bolivia 

In Bolivia Christmas is one of the most important holidays. 

Family celebrations begin when they return home from midnight mass with a traditionalBolivian dinner and festivities.

Unlike in the northern hemisphere, Christmas takes place in summer and it is warm so it is common for families to toast with cold drinks. Dinner consists of picana a soup made with meat and spices accompanied by salad, fruit and roasted meat.

Although Western traditions are slowly becoming incorporated into Bolivian households it is not customary to decorate the outside of homes or have a Christmas tree.

Instead the most important decoration in a Bolivian home is the pesebre or navity scene, which is also sometimes called a nacimiento.

 It is the centerpiece in the family home and also prominent in the church. It is also common to see gourds carved and decorated to create small navity scenes.